DOZENS of patients continue to be cared for with COVID-19 at the Wrexham Maelor as its outbreak continues into the New Year.

The Leader first reported that a second outbreak of the coronavirus was established within the hospital on November 6 and weekly updates on the situation have been provided.

At its peak, there were 128 patients in the hospital on November 13.

Since then, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) updates show the figure began to rise as we entered December before they began falling once again.

Speaking on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), acting executive director of nursing and midwifery for BCUHB Debra Hickman confirmed the total number of patients that were receiving care at the Wrexham-based hospital.

She said: “As of this morning we are providing care to 43 patients at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and community hospitals in the East area who currently have, or have had healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.

“Since declaring this outbreak in late October, we have provided care to 125 patients with healthcare acquired COVID-19 infection.

“We continue to review our infection prevention practices as we learn more about the virus and national guidance is updated.”

BCUHB confirmed that the next update will come on Friday, January 8.